28 September 1791

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Knox signs with his initials. References a note King wrote earlier respecting a nephew of Judge [Abraham] Yates "entering into the military Line." Tells King an ensigncy has become vacant in the regular regiment and that he has told President Washington of the appointment. Fears that "you and his other friends may think that he ought to be in a higher grade," but it is not possible. Asks King to find out if the nephew is still interested. Heard from Ralph Izard that he (Izard) gave King a pamphlet on the [Yazoo] Company. Asks King and Doctor William Samuel Johnson to send him documents on the…

GLC02437.05174

12 August 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Written by Lucy the wife of Brigadier General Knox, to her husband. Reports that four posts have come and gone without a letter from him. Says General Benjamin Lincoln also came from his quarters without any remembrances from him. Claims "this is what I am so unused to, that I scarce know how to behave under it., if it has meant to mortify it has answered the purpose admirably." Sent a letter last Thursday by Colonel Lewis and needs his answer to know how to proceed. Hears nothing of the army's movements and says she is "sick with anxiety, oh horrid war, how has thou blasted the fairest…

GLC02437.01129

8 October 1781

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Chastises her husband for not writing. Asks Henry when she will see him and why he has not written. The Continental Army was then involved in the siege of Yorktown.

GLC02437.01214

10 April 1782

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Has received letter from Knox, which to her "unspeakable mortification" relates that he will be away from her for several days longer. Apologizes for not writing frequently, but explains that she constantly expected his return. Also mentions that other events and causes have prevented her from writing but says she will explain further in person. Writes, "I have received a long letter from our brother Wm [William Knox] and one from Mr. Williams both of which I should have forwarded could I have imagined you would have staid so long, William was well and in good spirits." Relates that their…

GLC02437.01383

16 February 1784

Knowles, Charles, ?-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Requests returns or records related to Lieutenant Jefferds's detachment so he can complete their settlement.

GLC02437.02958

7 March 1784

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Charles Knowles

Knox writes to Knowles, paymaster of the Massachusetts artillery. Encloses a return pertaining to Lieutenant Samuel Jefferds and his men (refer to GLC02437.02974). Instructs Knowles to give a copy of the return to Major Sebastian Bauman.

GLC02437.02975

28 March 1785

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Knox discusses his appointment as Secretary at War. Informs King, a Continental Congressman, "It is true I was fully of opinion that the salary was considerably inadequate to the honorable support of so confidential an officer, but I thought it would be injurious to the dignity of Congress to state that circumstance as an objection to my acceptance..." Hopes a future Congress will consider increasing the position's allowance.

GLC02437.03119

4 May 1785

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife expresses her "infinite regret" at his suggestion that they find a house in the country. Notes that Congress should be able to find him a decent place near New York City, where he will be stationed as Secretary at War. Mentions a recent sale, at which Mr. [John?] Hancock bought a dressing table for the "high price of forty one dollars." Discusses family and friends.

GLC02437.03137

19 May 1785

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Knox's wife, Lucy, reports that Captain Callahan was unable to hire artisans from England: "the sentiments of the english are so oppos'd to that class of persons coming out that he feared to make the attempt." Has received no recent news of William Knox, Henry's brother who suffered from mental illness. Mentions an unspecified match, possibly referring to William Knox's courtship of Henry Laurens's daughter (William had lapsed into insanity, and the courtship ended on dramatic, negative terms; refer to GLC02437.03082). Fears that William's "malady is too deep for cure." Expresses joy at…

GLC02437.03148

26 September 1785

Knowles, Charles, ?-1796

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes that he has received Knox's letter from 7 September, carried to him by General Henry Jackson. Has enclosed a memorandum (not present) which "will I trust answer your enquiries respecting the final settlement of John Scott's Accot. for Services in the Massachusetts Regiment of Artillery."

GLC02437.03201

6 December 1786

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Writes that he has "nothing of consequence to communicate." Discusses the death of a Mr. Nash, as well as the doings of friends and colleagues including Mr. [possibly Edward] Carrington and Mr. [possibly Robert] Morris. Mentions trying to contact members of Congress who seem to have left the New York area. Sends regards to Mrs. King.

GLC02437.03366

3 June 1787

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Discusses the Constitutional Convention. Relates that Daniel Jenifer, Daniel Carroll, and James Mercer are expected to arrive in a few days to represent Maryland. Writes, "Eleven states are represented, but we proceed slowly - I am unable to form any precise opinion of the Result - Nothing however very important has turned up and issued unfavorably ... " "Free" stamped on address leaf with no signature.

GLC02437.03563

11 July 1787

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes in full, "I wish it was in my power to inform you that we had progressed a single step since you left us - I say progressed, this expression must be defined by my own political creed, which you are very well acquainted with - I can form no conjecture of the Report, or separation, of the convention - If I had returned to N-YK with you or with our very able and sagacious Friend [Alexander] Hamilton, I should have escaped much Vexation, enjoyed much pleasure and have gratified the earnest wishes & desires of Mrs. King." Signer of the U.S. Constitution.

GLC02437.03602

15 July 1787

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses politics in France, and how American statesmen are being influenced by the structure of government in France. Writes, "The conduct of France in establishing provincial assemblies, is seized with great eagerness by the advocates for the state systems [...] But they do not bring into view the strong cement of the royal authority, supported by two hundred thousand soldiers - The state systems, are the accursed thing which will prevent our being a national character." Declares his support of a strong, centralized government.

GLC02437.03605

28 October 1787

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Informs Knox that Henry Jackson will send him the "Resolve for calling a convention and tell you every thing relative to the situation of public affairs with more precision and particulars than is in my power." Discusses his efforts in advocating for the passage of the Constitution, such as speaking to the representatives from Maine, and trying to correct "some ill impression" they received. Also mentions the advocacy work some judges are doing in support of passage: "[William] Cushing the Chief Justice gave a solemn charge last week in Bristol to the Grand Jury, enlarged upon our…

GLC02437.03684

27 January 1788

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King writes from the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Declares, "Our hopes do not diminish, although our confidence is not complete- The opposition are less positive of their strength, & those few among them who are honest & capable of Reflection appear uneasy concerning the Fate of the Question..." Mentions a proposal published in the [Massachusetts] Centinel for a conditional ratification. Writes, "[John] Hancock is still confined, he appears to me to wish well to the Constitution but don't care to risque any thing in its favor." Notes…

GLC02437.03774

3 February 1788

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King discusses details of the Massachusetts convention for ratification of the United States Constitution. Reports that [John] Hancock supports the Constitution, and the Federalists rally behind Hancock's plan. Relates that Elbridge Gerry, who sat in on the Massachusetts convention for a short time, has remained nearby but has not been invited back to the convention. Expects the decision for ratification to be made in five or six days. Declares, "You will be astonished when you see the list of names, that such an Union of men has taken place on this Question- Hancock will hereafter…

GLC02437.03780

16 June 1788

King, Rufus, 1755-1827

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

King, who had served as part of the Massachusetts ratification convention, discusses the government of Massachusetts. Writes, "Every account must confirm to you the information of the surprising change in this Government- perhaps at no Time has there been more able and honest men in the administration of this State- the conviction of the necessity of good & efficient Government pervades every part of the State, and the Federal Government will be as affectionately supported by the People of this Commonwealth as by any people in the Union…" Comments on the Constitutional ratification…

GLC02437.03899

13 July 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter

Title: to Rufus King

Discusses the possible ratification of the United States Constitution by New York: "I have received no letters from Colonel Hamilton or any others of the convention, that will warrant the idea in any degree- but there has been a buz for a few days past that the convention would adopt the constitution and afterwards state strongly some material amendments..."

GLC02437.03934

17 August 1788

Knox, Henry, 1750-1806

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Rufus King

Apologizes for missing King when King recently traveled to Boston. Discusses the possibility that King will remain in Massachusetts (perhaps to serve that state in government). Knox and [Nathaniel] Gorham both agree King should "instantly demonstrate [his] intentions" by purchasing a home in Massachusetts.

GLC02437.03965

24 August 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Lucy writes to her husband: "How shall I thank the partner of my soul for the long affectionate letter I have just received from him, that he amid his numerous avocations should find so much time for me, is flattering indeed- but alas that unlucky summons to the breakfast table but for it who knows where the charming immagination [sic] of my Harry might not have led us." Mentions a recent matter in which Knox's friend, Henry Jackson, invested 10,000 of Knox's notes without his permission. Needless to say, Knox was furious, and Lucy offers her thoughts on the subject: "... you speak rightly…

GLC02437.03976

12 October 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Writes to her husband, who is in Boston. Misses their daughter (likely Lucy). Relates news of the Ogden family. Notes that Mrs. Green (possibly Catharine Littlefield Greene) hopes Knox will visit her on his return to New York. Remarks, "Our little ones have not the measles yet, altho it is all around us."

GLC02437.03995

14 October 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Complains that Henry has stayed away later than he had originally planned. Discusses her busy social schedule and numerous invitations, noting "Since the arrival of Mrs. Ogden I have passed my time as agreably as possible seperated [sic] from you." Understands that his business in Boston, settling with creditors, may extend until the end of the month (it is possible Henry was settling the matter of Henry Jackson's unauthorized sale of 10,000 dollars of Knox's notes). Remarks that her sister sent her a Queensware china set.

GLC02437.03998

24 October 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Expresses her desire for his return, articulating how much she misses him. Expects him to be accompanied by their daughter (possible Lucy): "... my heart beats with the fond idea of shortly embracing the dearest objects of my love the best of husbands and the most amiable of daughters-" Notes that Mr. [Robert] Morris is in town. Comments on other acquaintances, including the Ogdens.

GLC02437.04012

5 November 1788

Knox, Lucy Flucker, 1756-1824

Autograph letter signed

Title: to Henry Knox

Traveled to Newark with [Euphemia] Ogden and hopes to return with [Catharine?] Greene. Notes that St. John hopes his daughter will return to New York with Knox, but expects Knox will not be able to wait for her. Reports their son, Marcus, "has coughed but once since he left NY..." and Knox's brother William's "face broke yesterday," a reference to William's recent illness accompanied by swelling in the face. Writes, "As for me I have been so long without you that I know not what to think of it and can scarce reallise [sic] you are my husband." Instructs Knox to give their daughter a kiss…

GLC02437.04025